For some of the world’s most revered front row players, it is the ideal situation. For the coaches it lies somewhere between walking on eggshells and urging the turkey to…
Wales
Five things we learnt: Wales v Ireland
The awkward reality of ‘Warm up’ matches Wales lost to Ireland by 35 points to 21 in what was a very difficult game to watch from a Welsh perspective. But…
Analysis: Jamie Heaslip shows his class against Wales
The list of honours compiled by Jamie Heaslip reads like a comprehensive catalogue. Now over a decade into his professional career, the 31 year-old No 8 boasts three Pro12 titles with…
Five things we learnt in July
Misbehaving Wallabies, innovative All Blacks and the importance of Samson Lee for Wales are all topics addressed in this July review
Pro 12 transfers 2015-16: Comings and goings
In a game of inches, sides with an established foundation of pragmatism usually emerge clutching the etched handles of oversized silverware. For once it was a debonair attitude to open…
Lions fixtures for 2017 New Zealand tour
The Lions have announced their 10-match fixture list for 2017 tour. Unlike 2013, where they stopped off in Hong Kong for a sponsor-led fixture against the Barbarians, there will be…
Five things we learned about rugby – June
Sonny Bill Williams needs to stop switching. June saw speculation that Sonny Bill Williams will once again make another career change. The ‘Mr Ben’ (gratuitous Eighties reference) of Southern Hemisphere…
Five stars for the 2019 Rugby World Cup
The 2015 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy may now be consigned to the history books but the reputations created by some of the tournament’s stars could light up rugby for years…
5 ways to improve European Rugby
The first season of the new European format has seen big crowds, stunning tries and thrilling rugby but with Toulon basking in a third consecutive title, it’s worth considering how…
Champions Cup draw 2015/16
Rugby’s administrators, journalists and TV crews assembled in Neuchâtel for the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup draw, where it was left to Wales and Lions wing Ieuan Evans and 98-cap…